United manager Ferguson made a personal call to Wenger last summer and persuaded him to sell van Persie for £24m even though he was going to a direct rival.

And now Wenger is ready to call in the favour by asking him to let Nani join Arsenal as the Portuguese is on his way out after reaching a contract stalemate at United.

Dutch of class: Van Persie has been a revelation at United since his £24m move (Photo: REUTERS)

It will always be seen as a gamble and a hugely unpopular move selling to a bitter rival. Wenger has since confirmed that he wanted van Persie to go abroad rather than United but Juventus refused to meet Arsenal's asking price.

Van Persie has been a huge success at Old Trafford and has helped United move seven points clear in the Premier League title race but his absence has left Arsenal languishing outside of the top four.